Everyday kitchen staple hailed best medicine in the world

express.co.uk · Feb 20, 2026 · Collected from GDELT

Full Article

A medical herbalist has hailed it as "one of the best medicines around" for heart health - but experts say moderation is key. 04:31, Fri, Feb 20, 2026 Could dark chocolate be the secret ingredient to a healthier heart? (Image: Getty)Dark chocolate has been branded "one of the best medicines around" for heart health by an expert. Medical herbalist Simon Mills spoke out on the benefits of the everyday kitchen staple during an appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett."[It's] a medicine, end of," he claimed in the interview from 2025. Mills told listeners that eating 50g to 100g of the sweet treat containing at least 75% cocoa solids could be a saving grace for cardiovascular and brain health, citing studies showing short-term improvements in blood vessel function after consumption — but is there more to this?According to the British Heart Foundation, cocoa is rich in flavanols which are plant compounds that can help blood vessels relax and improve circulation.The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health states that flavanols in dark chocolate have been linked to improved endothelial function — something that plays a key role in regulating blood pressure.Research published in the journal Circulation by the American Heart Association has suggested an association between higher chocolate intake and a lower risk of heart disease, though it does not prove cause and effect.And a review published in Heart by BMJ reported that moderate chocolate consumption was associated with a reduced risk of cardiometabolic disorders, namely strokes.The European Food Safety Authority says consuming 200mg of cocoa flavanols daily can help maintain normal blood vessel elasticity, which contributes to healthy blood flow.Dark chocolate also contains stimulants such as theobromine and small amounts of caffeine, which may contribute to its uplifting effect, says the Cleveland Clinic.But the NHS stresses it should only be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet due to its high calorie count and saturated fat, so moderation is key. @stevenCould chocolate actually be good for you? Medical herbalist Simon Mills explains why high-quality dark chocolate can be more than just a treat. Packed with beneficial compounds, it supports brain health, boosts cardiovascular function, and even helps improve blood flow. Do you think chocolate can be part of a healthy diet? #podcast #chocolate #health original sound - The Diary Of A CEO Mills warned: "We have to be clear here, we're not talking about hot chocolate that comes from a packet or something necessarily."We would like it to be as dark as possible. 75% cocoa solids, you know, so it's dark chocolate, and it tastes a bit more medicinal, doesn't it? It's not as sweet. But I'm saying to many of my patients, take 50 grammes a day, it's a medicine." Health news, advice and symptoms to watch out for Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy PolicyThe World Health Organisation reports cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for an estimated 20.5 million deaths each year.The British Dietetic Association says protecting heart health should focus on an overall balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and healthy fats, alongside regular physical activity.